Chapter 428: Chapter 245: Sparring? (2)
It’s not only because he and Mo Duxing have some similarities, but also because this person possesses certain appealing qualities.
Brief when there’s little to say, lengthy when there is, in no time the group arrived before the mountain gate.
Several Taiheng Sect disciples were already lined up before the gate; Guan Changying stood on the steps, dressed in white, with a sword at his waist, his figure tall and outstanding.
Chu Qing and the others, being guests, stood to one side, stealing glances.
But those like Enlightenment, were yet to arrive.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Sword City, a group of monks was crossing through the streets.
At the forefront were eight martial monks baring half their shoulders, each with strong muscles and large Buddhist beads hanging from their chests, moving with might and power.
Behind them were four novice monks, holding flower baskets in their hands.
The baskets were filled with petals, unsure where they were sourced in this harsh winter.
Behind the novices was a lotus platform sedan, shielded by thin veils barring the view.
But faintly visible, a monk sat inside, with a Buddha’s crown on his head, draped in kasaya, chanting sutras as he sat on the lotus platform, the sound reaching the ears of the nearby citizens.
Attracting the attention of Sword City’s inhabitants.
Further behind followed other inner disciples of the Vajra Sect.
At the very end, another eight martial monks... positioned to guard both front and rear.
Suddenly, an elderly monk with a gaunt face stepped lightly beside the sedan, speaking softly:
"It seems we’re slightly delayed... Shouldn’t we hurry a bit?"
"Let them wait."
The chanting from inside the sedan paused, with a faint voice reaching the elderly monk’s ears:
"A sword ceremony that brings both you and me here, Taiheng Sect feels greatly honored, a slight wait is of no consequence, is it?"
The elder monk fell silent for a moment, then spoke again:
"Lingxin still hasn’t returned, this feeling of unease lingers in my heart."
"Mm..."
Enlightenment seemed to ponder for a moment and then said:
"There’s long been rumors that Wuchen died at the hands of that Mad Saber Young Master.
"Now, whether Lingxin returns or not is irrelevant. Even if Master Uncle Hui Ji discovers something, once this matter concludes, I will personally visit Brahma Shock City and take his life.
"Past events will ultimately be buried beneath the dust, Master (Note1), put your mind at ease, don’t trap yourself in a confined space... otherwise, not only will the Nayuta Tribulation Scripture be fruitless, your martial arts will also stagnate like rowing against the current..."
"But there’s one thing you mustn’t forget."
Zen Master Hangzhi chuckled coldly:
"At Shen Juke’s birthday feast, that Mad Saber Young Master claimed Wuchen recounted his life... can you be sure he knows of the past?"
Enlightenment was silent for a while, then finally spoke:
"Whether this is true or false remains unclear. What must be noted is that the Mad Saber Young Master went there targeting Shen Juke...
"The words he spoke about Wuchen might not be true."
"Whether Wuchen is alive or dead is still unknown."
"..."
Enlightenment hesitated further:
"If he is still alive, and if Master Uncle Hui Ji really revealed the events of the past to him.
"He will eventually return to the Vajra Sect, falling into our trap.
"Then, we will kill him."
"Sigh..."
Zen Master Hangzhi sighed deeply:
"I’ve never done anything so shameful in my life, tormented day and night by my heart demon, living is worse than death..."
"Enough."
Enlightenment’s voice carried a hint of anger:
"What’s done is done, talking about it now is pointless. You gained these twenty years of peaceful years precisely because of that gamble.
"Otherwise... if back then, Wuchen became Buddha’s Son and the Sect Leader of Vajra Sect...
"Would we still have any benefits left?"
Zen Master Hangzhi raised his head to look at the indistinct figure on the lotus platform, sighed lightly, knowing it was pointless to say more at this stage.
His pace slowed slightly, blending into the crowd, becoming a seemingly inconspicuous old monk.
The chanting resumed, looking ahead, Taiheng Sect was already within sight.
The petals in the little novice monk’s basket finally found their purpose.
Amidst the rising chants, as petals fluttered, everyone burst forth simultaneously, employing lightweight technique heading towards Taiheng Sect.
From afar, it looked like monks leaping over the swirling petals, with the wind lifting the blinds on the lotus platform, revealing the solemn Enlightenment.
He recited sutras, his inner breath coursing around him, with a Buddha silhouette faintly appearing above his head.
"Welcome, honored guests from Vajra Sect, to Taiheng Sect!"
Guan Changying spoke loudly, and the disciples on both sides drew their swords, waving them, repeating his words.
As the final word landed, all from the Vajra Sect stood firm.
Enlightenment’s voice, soft and kind like a spring breeze:
"Thank you for waiting, esteemed patrons."
"It’s expected."
Guan Changying stepped forward:
"To trouble such esteemed guests to travel miles to this sword ceremony, we were merely waiting a while and it’s hardly worth mentioning...
"Junior Guan Changying, greetings to Host Enlightenment."
He clasped his fist, bowing deeply.
"So you’re Guan Changying?"
Enlightenment’s gaze fell on Guan Changying, chanting ’Amitabha Buddha’, then smiling:
"Little patron indeed has talents beyond compare, a dragon among men.
"When Taiheng Sect falls into your hands in the future, it will surely reach new heights...
"Speaking of which, your age is similar to that of my eldest disciple, yet he is occupied and cannot attend this grand event.
"Fortunately, my second disciple Lingjue is right here, should you have time, you two might spar and exchange insights."
"Alright."
Guan Changying agreed readily.
Since it’s sparring among peers, there’s naturally nothing to fear.
Of course, Chu Qing doesn’t count as a peer... In fact, nobody has regarded Chu Qing as a peer for quite some time now.
The gap in martial arts skills is too vast.
"Brother Guan speaks swiftly and decisively."
A monk in a black robe emerged from behind the sedan, laughing lightly:
"If it’s so, then there’s no point in delaying; considering Brother Guan will be busy in the coming days, why don’t we spar today instead?"
Guan Changying stunned, looking up to Enlightenment:
"Host Enlightenment, what does this mean?"
"Lingjue, don’t make trouble."
Enlightenment immediately chastised:
"With the sword ceremony about to commence, Brother Guan must focus fully. How can he have time for your antics?"
"But Master... I merely wish to spar with Brother Guan and that’s not trouble, right? Besides, if it’s a friendly bout, hitting points respectfully, Brother Guan wouldn’t be afraid to sustain minor injuries, affecting the sword ceremony participation, right?
"Brother Guan, rest assured, I won’t hit the face."
Guan Changying chuckled angrily; they’ve put him on the spot, if he refuses, the rumors won’t be good.
Rumors like Taiheng Sect’s Young Sect Leader feared to fight, Taiheng Sect scared of Vajra Sect... Such comments would certainly emerge.
The key to breaking free is to fight, and win.
Just as Guan Changying reached for his sword hilt, a mocking voice suddenly sounded:
"How interesting, knowing there’s a sword ceremony soon, but insisting on sparring martial arts...
"They’re treated courteously, yet run to their doorstep to cause trouble, do Vajra Sect people have no shame?"
"Who is it!?"
Lingjue fumed, his gaze searching for the voice’s source.
Guan Changying’s head snapped back, seeing Chu Qing and his group approaching slowly; this now infamous Young Master lightly patted his shoulder, smiling:
"You seem eager to spar, come, come, let me spar with you.
"We’re about the same age, shouldn’t count as bullying the young."
Lingjue snorted coldly:
"Who are you? To think you’re worthy of sparring with me?"
Guan Changying’s gaze was somewhat pitying as he looked at Lingjue:
"This is the Mad Saber Young Master, please restrain your words, Master Lingjue, lest your mouth brings you trouble."
Lingjue: "?"
...
...
Note1: Previously written as master-disciple, correcting the hierarchy... fixed.
Ps: A few single updates at the end of last month feeling awkward to ask for monthly votes, now seeking early month votes~
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